There "lies, damned lies, and statistics," - well-known suggestion that stats can be misleading. can manipulate arguments, present dishonest information, and can be more deceptive than outright lies.

1. I had a discussion with a neighbor recently about the smoke haze we had. The air looked almost clear yet the smell of smoke lingered. I wondered if we are more sensitive to smoke these days because fewer people smoke. When I got home I checked to see what percentage of the population still smoked in Canada versus other countries. Which of these stats interest you?

I had a discussion with a neighbor recently about the smoke haze we had. The air looked almost clear yet the smell of smoke lingered. I wondered if we are more sensitive to smoke these days because fewer people smoke. When I got home I checked to see what percentage of the population still smoked in Canada versus other countries. Which of these stats interest you?

Since the 1980, Canada has mounted a consistent campaign to reduce smoking. Recent stats show "only" 10% of Canadians now smoke. It is 124th in the world as the country with the highest number of smokers.

The UK has made similar efforts but the smoking habit is still more socially acceptable there (I blame the pub culture). The UK is in 112 place with 12.5% of the adult population as smokers.

The USA is less successful in quitting smoking with 23.6% still smoking which puts it in 52nd place.

The Chinese and Russians prove politics and taxation don't seem to be influencers with 22.9% Chinese and 29% Russians still smoking for 54th and 29th positions respectively.

In first place with the worlds worst smokers is Nauru, a small island where both men and women are heavy smokers. 48% of the population smokes. Life expectancy on Nauru is 62 years. Cardiovascular disease (44%) and cancer (10%) were the primary causes of death.

Other (please specify)

Not Applicable

2. Smoking has nothing to do with these next stats. Or does it? The tax on smokers is a big source of revenue for governments. Comments welcome. Here are some details about the best countries to live in. Do you find any of these stats interesting?

Smoking has nothing to do with these next stats. Or does it? The tax on smokers is a big source of revenue for governments. Comments welcome. Here are some details about the best countries to live in. Do you find any of these stats interesting?

The best country in the world to live in is Switzerland. (other than chocolate, cheese, watches, those nifty pocket knives, secret bank accounts, mountains and snow they haven't much going for them. They also have Ricola, my favorite cough drops/candy.

In 3rd place is Canada - The Great White North. We gripe for sure but do so politely.

In 17th place is The United States - The Great Experiment (as it was once known).

In 36th place is Taiwan. Proximity to mainland China must take the shine off a bit though.

Russia and China either didn't ask the questions or didn't like the answers. No data available for them.

Other (please specify)

Not Applicable

3. I must say I was surprised by these next (and last for today) stats. Having a country that is a good place to live in does not always correlate to a high standard of living it seems. Here are the top five countries in terms of standard of living (this is not the same as being the wealthiest.) Are you surprised by any of these?

I must say I was surprised by these next (and last for today) stats. Having a country that is a good place to live in does not always correlate to a high standard of living it seems. Here are the top five countries in terms of standard of living (this is not the same as being the wealthiest.) Are you surprised by any of these?

#5 is Switzerland - Switzerland's national debt only represents 37.60% of its GDP yet it is a tax haven with low taxes. I wonder what/who pays for their high standard of living?

#4 is Australia - they get to spend Christmas on the beach too.

#3 is Denmark - COVID caused less damage to their economy than many others and they seem to run their social network more effectively resulting in lower taxes .

#2 is Canada - Being "The True North Proud and Free" is definitely not "free". We could learn from Denmark about government spending

#1 is Finland - They don't seem to smile much though.

Other (please specify)

Not Applicable

Where is the USA? Why is it not in the top 5?

There are "lies, damned lies, and statistics," - a well-known suggestion that stats can be misleading. They can manipulate arguments, present dishonest information, and can be more deceptive than outright lies.